San Bernardino council unanimously censures Treasurer Ortiz over illicit recordings and false allegations

Mayor Tran and the San Bernardino City Council voted unanimously April 1 to adopt Resolution No. 2026‑035 censuring Treasurer and councilmember Trisha Ortiz for conduct the city said involved non‑consensual recordings of police officials and the persistent public use of those recordings to advance false claims.

The council acted after a public hearing in which the city’s outside counsel, Steven Larson, presented investigators’ findings and a legal analysis. Larson told the council that two recordings made in August 2024 — one of a San Bernardino Police Department sergeant at a coffee shop and one of Chief Darren Goodman in his office — were made without the knowledge or consent of the other parties and were later used by Ortiz to promote allegations that the department had improperly accessed her criminal history through the CLETS law enforcement database. "Those recordings were instrumental," Larson said, "They were used selectively, and they were used strategically as part of what appears to be a pattern of deception and misrepresentations."

Larson summarized results of multiple reviews the city relied on, including an internal San Bernardino Police Department review, an independent assessment by retained outside counsel and a separate review by the San Bernardino County District Attorney. He told the council the reviews found the CLETS access at issue was lawful, that only one CLETS inquiry occurred (in March 2020) and that investigations did not support Ortiz’s broader allegations of unlawful or repeated access.

Ortiz declined to present a substantive defense during the allotted presentation time, reserving time for rebuttal. Later she addressed the council, calling the proceedings a politically motivated process and disputing the city’s account: she said she has evidence and witnesses that were not reviewed and asserted that multiple aspects of the narrative presented by the city were incomplete. “You don't have to like me,” Ortiz said, “but you should respect that everybody has gone through something.” Ortiz also noted she has filed a federal lawsuit and that criminal charges are pending; those matters, she said, belong in the courts.

Public comment at the hearing was divided and extended for several hours. Dozens of residents and public‑safety employees spoke; many police officers, union leaders and current or former law enforcement officials urged the council to protect staff and support Chief Goodman, citing improvements in crime statistics and departmental performance. Other speakers defended Ortiz, criticized the process as one‑sided and urged the council to allow courts to resolve contested questions. Several residents and activists said the proceeding appeared political and warned the city about legal and reputational risks from a public censure while related legal matters remain pending.

After public comment and a brief recess, Councilmember Ted Sanchez moved to adopt the draft censure resolution. The adopted resolution makes formal findings about the conduct described in staff materials, removes Ortiz from several mayor‑and‑council discretionary appointments and withdraws her temporary assignment to a City Hall office — each for a one‑year period — and requests her voluntary resignation. The council voted "yes" on the motion by a unanimous recorded roll call.

The resolution does not remove Ortiz from office; it imposes administrative measures the council described as lawful and temporary. City staff said the measures are intended to reaffirm ethics standards and protect the operational integrity of city facilities and appointed assignments.

What happens next: Ortiz has said she will pursue her claims in court and will not resign. The district attorney’s separate criminal proceedings and Ortiz’s federal lawsuit will continue on independent tracks. The council also said it could revisit administrative measures if new evidence is presented.

Votes at a glance: The council adopted Resolution No. 2026‑035 (censure) by a unanimous vote. The resolution temporarily removes Ortiz from listed discretionary assignments and withdraws her City Hall office privileges for one year; it also includes a request that she voluntarily resign. The motion was made by Councilmember Ted Sanchez and seconded; the city clerk recorded the unanimous vote.

The council adjourned at 9:58 p.m.; the next regular joint meeting is scheduled for April 15, 2026, at the Feldheim Central Library.